Marine Captain

Position Details Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography Location: USF St. Petersburg Salary Plan: Administrative Job Code/Title: 6564 / Marine Captain I Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $75,000 - 120,000 (commensurate based on experience) Position Number: 100016242 Organizational Summary The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida's academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges. Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public‑private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university's role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community. Position Description The Research Vessel Captain / Marine Captain serves as the senior vessel authority and is responsible for the safe, compliant, effective, and mission‑ready operation of assigned FIO uninspected research vessels. The position exercises command authority over vessel operations, crew, embarked personnel, students, researchers, vessel users, and mission activities while underway, alongside, and during mobilization and demobilization. The Captain is responsible for navigation, piloting, voyage planning, vessel readiness, crew supervision, deck operations, mission execution, emergency preparedness, safety management, regulatory compliance, scientific mission support, vessel documentation, budget and procurement support, vendor coordination, and communication with FIO leadership, research users, port authorities, regulatory agencies, and external partners. The updated role is broader than traditional vessel operation. The Captain functions as an operational manager for a mobile university research platform and is responsible for integrating maritime safety, research mission requirements, personnel management, risk controls, logistics, vessel maintenance coordination, scientific equipment deployment, and administrative reporting. The position requires independent judgment and decision‑making in dynamic maritime environments, including remote operations, adverse weather, nighttime operations, emergency situations, research deployment evolutions, and multi‑day expeditions. This position will report directly to the Manager Marine Operations on the USF St. Petersburg campus. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma and minimum five years combined experience as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master. Must presently hold a U.S. Coast Guard Master credential appropriate for assigned vessel operations, with a minimum of Master 100 Tons or greater unless a higher credential is required by vessel assignment, operating area, or institutional standard. Must have at least three years of pilothouse experience as a member of the navigation watch operating a vessel in near‑coastal waters or upon the oceans. Must possess Unlimited Radar Observer endorsement; STCW Basic Safety Training as applicable; first aid and CPR certification; firefighting certification as applicable; valid driver's license, with Florida license required upon employment; valid passport; and valid TWIC. Preferred Qualifications U.S. Coast Guard Master 200 Tons or greater. Bridge Resource Management training. Advanced experience commanding or supervising crew aboard oceanographic, research, government, offshore, passenger, training, or comparable vessels. Experience conducting multi‑day research cruises and 24‑hour vessel operations. Experience supporting students, faculty, scientists, agency personnel, and external research users. Strong interpersonal communication, mentoring, and leadership skills. Experience with deck winches, cranes, A‑frames, small boats, scientific equipment deployment, buoy operations, trawling, sampling systems, ROV/AUV support, diving operations, marine rigging, salvage operations, or similar research vessel operations. Experience with vessel maintenance planning, safety management, crew supervision, procurement, vendor coordination, incident reporting, and vessel logs. Documents Required Curriculum vitae / resume A copy of academic transcripts Contact information for three references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor). Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract. #J-18808-Ljbffr